Calling all newbie adult toy shoppers; this one’s for you! Whether you’re single-as-a-pringle or totally taken, you can and should consider shopping for adult products. An article by Gigi Engle titled 5 Tips for Buying Your Very First Vibrator explains, “Vibration is great because the vast majority of people with vaginas require external clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm (or have the most pleasurable sensations possible even if they don’t lead to orgasm)“. Let’s take you down the rabbit hole of incredible sexual products, and how to go about buying your first one. Now, take some notes and do your research.
#1 WHAT AREA OF YOUR BODY ARE YOU LOOKING TO STIMULATE?
Internally or externally? Both at the same time? Nipple only? Anal only? By choosing one of these will narrow down your amount of options significantly. Take note of areas you enjoy while manually masturbating. Understanding your body is the first step in the right direction.
#2 WILL IT BE FOR SOLO- OR PARTNERED USE?
There’s a common misconception that toys are only meant to be used alone. On the contrary, wands and slender vibrators are perfect for external stimulation solo as well as with a partner. It may be intimidating for some, but we're here to let you know that you should give it a try.
#3 DON'T THESE THINGS TAKE BATTERIES?
If you're looking for a toy with some sort of function other than just existing (i.e. vibrating, sucking, thrusting, heating, etc.), you'll need to consider what powers it. Over the years, more and more toys have transitioned from batteries to being easily rechargeable. Goodbye to the years of fumbling through all the remotes in the house to look for a temporary toy solution. And not every toy's charging cord will be the same. Many rechargeable toys are also waterproof or even submersible. Double-check the toys packaging to see if that's a must for you. Please only let your toy charge to 100% and nothing more. Once your toy is overcharged and your battery is fried. This tip works for all of your electronics that charge. You'll end up distraught when the time comes that you're looking to come.
#4 SHAPES, STYLE, SIZE, & FUNCTION.
The world of sex toys is really all about variety to bring you the most pleasure in whatever form you need. Some varieties of toys are dildos, vibrators, anal, clitoral stimulators, rabbit, realistic, g-spot, and so much more. Then there’s bondage-- if you’re into that, but that’s a whole other topic for another time. Having the option to bring your toy into a bath or pool is wonderful! We know the phrase is “go big or go home”, but when it comes to buying your first dildo/vibrator, we advise keeping it simple and working your way to the perfect size. Start budget-friendly to get a better understanding of what you enjoy. Look into the different functions/features the toy you're considering has.
#5 WHAT'S IT MADE FROM?
Material is also a personal preference and the store clerk can certainly help you gauge what kind of toy and material best suits your needs and desires. It's important to look to see what the toy, lube, lotion is made of in case you are allergic to the material. Look for keywords like "body-safe" and "phthalate-free". Here are some of the most common toy materials/textures:
- Silicone: gives a velvety-soft feel and is usually best-paired with a water-based lube.
- ABS Plastic: often found in bullet vibrators and handles of toys.
- TPE/TPR: skin-safe and is usually the closest to the “life-like” sensation
- Glass: You know this one. Strong, resistant, and great for temperature play!
- Jelly: Typically cheaper toys are made of jelly and should be avoided if you are allergic to latex or easily irritated by it.
#6 LUBE, LUBE, & MORE LUBE!
Pick up a lube appropriate for your toy, if natural lubrication isn’t an option. Being wet enough will help ensure that you enjoy your toy. Different lubes serve different purposes and some are not compatible with certain product materials. Water-based, silicone, and hybrid lubes are the most common. Never use silicone lube on a silicone toy. Read more on about different lubes from our Choosing the Right Kind of Lube blog.
#7 REMEMBER TO CONSIDER CLEANING AND STORAGE
We can't stress this enough. It's extremely important that you clean your sex toys before and after each use. Some non-vibrating toy materials like glass will allow you to wash them in the dishwaser. Always read the care instructions listed on the packaging or information packet included. Clean your toys with toy cleaner or mild soap and water. You don't want bacteria to build up. **chills** And remember not to store your toys on top of one another. Safe carrying pouches or even the original packaging your toy came in can help keep the materials separated when stored.
Dueck, Sara. "How to Choose Your First Sex Toy." Medium. 28 Mar 2018. www.medium.com/tartmag/sex-with-sara-how-to-choose-your-first-sex-toy-b8c9bcccb586.
Engle, Gigi. "5 Tips for Buying Your Very First Vibrator." Self. 26 Jun 2019. www.self.com/story/first-vibrator-tips.
Gilmour, Paisley. "8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Sex Toy." Cosmopolitan. 04 May 2017. www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/sex/a9603148/adult-sex-toys-how-to-buy.
Marin, Vanessa. "How To Choose Your First Luxury Vibrator." Bustle. 07 May 2015. https://www.bustle.com/articles/81746-buying-your-first-vibrator-in-7-easy-steps-because-your-know-that-purchase-is-not.